With antibiotics being the most commonly prescribed drugs, it is estimated that up to half of the antibiotic use is not needed. Antibiotic resistance caused by the overprescribing of antibiotics is a public health threat that has a significant impact upon the healthcare system, demonstrated by longer and more costly treatments, longer hospital stays, and extra doctor visits. In Arkansas, there are 1,154 antibiotic prescriptions filled for every 1000 people. This is the seventh highest rate in the United States.

Antibiotics dispensed in U.S. community pharmacies in 2018

National: 763 per 1,000 population

Arkansas: 1011 per 1,000 population

Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention